Many people are not aware that Oracle has a free version of Oracle database as well: Oracle Database 10g Express Edition (Oracle XE). This is a fully functional totally free database that’s free to develop, deploy, and distribute.

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It might be unbelievable, but it is true. This is a completely legal free version of Oracle database. However, there are some limitations with this free Oracle database:

It stores upto 4GB of data.

It will use upto 1GB of memory (even if host machine has much more memory)

It will use one CPU only (even if host machine has multiple CPU).

These limitations mean that this free Oracle Database is suitable for following:

Small Businesses who do not anticipate higher storage need for some time.

Educational institutions and students who need a free database for their curriculum

Developers working on PHP, Java, .NET, XML, and Open Source applications.

The best use of this free Oracle database is for start ups – the companies that are just getting started, and do not want to spend lot of money in buying an Oracle license. They can start with this free Oracle database, and later upgrade to full fledged version when their need justifies the cost.

What we really like about this is that it is a full featured Oracle database, with just above mentioned restrictions. Very easy to download, install, and use. Love it! Download links, and video tutorials links at the end.

Of course if you want a serious free database you want Informix Ultimate Edition-C , a legendary performer with no data limits, 16gb memory and upto 4 x quad core chips, only down side is its only available on Windows or Mac :-( Linux and Unix Free Informix is limited to 4gb memory on a single quad core, still a way better deal than the Oracle Express which ever way you look at it :-)